Miguel Gomes' 'Grand Tour' Explores Colonial Legacies Through Experimental Storytelling

The Portuguese filmmaker's latest work intertwines past and present in a visually inventive journey across Asia, blending history, romance, and cultural critique.

Set in 1918, the film follows the intertwined journeys of Edward, a British colonial officer fleeing his wedding, and Molly, his fiancée in pursuit, across colonial Asia.
Miguel Gomes employs a mix of visual styles, including black-and-white sequences and contemporary footage, to challenge traditional cinematic narratives.
'Grand Tour' critiques colonial histories and Western perceptions of Asia, juxtaposing historical settings with modern artifacts like smartphones and scooters.
The film was partially shot remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Gomes directing a Chinese crew to capture missing scenes two years later.
Awarded Best Director at Cannes, the movie has been praised for its poetic visuals and experimental approach, though some critics found its narrative uneven.